SPRING'S 10 HOTTEST NEW RESTAURANTS

Spring is here and Chicago's newest restaurants are opening their doors. From elite bars featuring the best in craft cocktails to sushi bars that will induce weeks of cravings - these new restaurants are worth putting on the must-do list. A few highlights include the
Siena Tavern (created by "Top Chef" alum Fabio Viviani), a vintage-style restaurant featuring the flavors of Tuscany. Venture to the Little Market Brasserie to dig into some amazing American-style dishes with an upscale twist. Large parties are welcome with a sharing menu perfect for seven or more. And finish the night with a perfectly crafted drink from the Charcoal Bar (located under Sumi Robata Bar) where head mixologist Matthew Lipsky serves boutique cocktails on a first-come, first-served basis to a small crowd - the bar only seats 11.

INSPIRING BEAUTY: 50 YEARS OF EBONY FASHION FAIR

The Chicago History Museum's latest exhibition showcases the glamorous world of the Ebony Fashion Fair with 60 garments from icons of the fashion industry like Yves St. Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Patrick Kelly and more. The Ebony Fashion Fair began as a traveling fashion show in 1958 as a way to bring high fashion to Black America. It has since transformed into an American institution supporting non-profits across the country.

The exhibition is currently open and running through January 5, 2014. Admission
is $14 for adults and $12 for seniors (65+), students (13-22) and free for
children age 12 and under. Group reservations are available by contacting the
museum at 312-799-2162. The museum is also
available for private events, with indoor and outdoor spaces featuring views of
Lincoln Park.

NEW HEADQUARTERS HOTEL ANNOUNCED FOR MCCORMICK PLACE

The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition
Authority announced in February the development of a 1,200-room headquarters
hotel adjacent to McCormick Place. The hotel's size, facilities and location
will allow conventions, meetings and shows to use this centrally located
property as their headquarters, greatly improving efficiency and convenience
for attendees. The hotel will be located near the intersection of Michigan Ave.
and Cermak Rd. with a sky bridge connecting the hotel to the West Building of
McCormick Place.

HYATT REGENCY CHICAGO ANNOUNCES $168 MILLION
IN RENOVATIONS

Hyatt Regency renovations are set to begin in
early April, enhancing Chicago's largest hotel (and largest Hyatt hotel in the
world) with modern upgrades. Architect Bentel & Bentel's central vision
includes turning the atrium and lobby into a grand urban space with new lighting,
finishes and concierge and registration area. A new 24-hour market will be
added, as will renovations to Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi (formerly Stetson's
Chop House) and a reinvention of the BIG Bar space to better incorporate views
of the Chicago river.